Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details.

Once youve decided to buy a home after years of renting, youll quickly realize that finding the right home can be a challenge.

Avid house-huntersknow this well. They love to poke fun at the extensive “must-have” lists often presented in our favorite home television shows. If youve undertaken the search for your dream home yourself, you know how challenging it can be to find a house that you love within your budget.

Many potential home buyers face this dilemma. So, if youre frustrated with the slim pickings of homes on the market or you struggle to remain within your price range, then it could be time to quite literally go to the drawing board and consider building your perfect home from scratch.

If your area of concern isnt necessarily about your budget, but rather finding what you want in a new home at all, then working with a contractor to construct your perfect house could be the solution youre looking for. Youll be surprised what you can accomplish with a blank slate, some expert advice and your one-of-a-kind vision.

Make A Plan

In many aspects of life, preparation is the key to success and this most certainly applies to building a house. Youll want to establish a make sure you have a defined budget, the right people and well thought out resources to make this process as seamless as possible.

With any project you should always make sure you have a strong foundation, especially when building a home. If you plan to use your current lot or look for a new piece of real estate, make sure you understand the costs associated with any necessary excavation or reshaping of your land.

There are many kinds of construction loans, each suited for different projects, so you shouldnt be hard-pressed to find one that can meet your needs and get your build running

If youre interested in starting construction elsewhere, be sure to do ample research about the location and that areas zoning codes. Since zoning policies vary from city to city, https://www.rapidloan.net/installment-loans-mi/ do your research beforehand so you can understand exactly how imaginative you can get with your build. Some areas might not allow pools, garden sheds or other unique features. Other zoning codes have certain rules regarding additions or deck and fence sizing.

Simply understanding the features youd like to see in your home and ensuring that theyre all attainable for your lot is a great first step toward your dream home.

Although you probably already have some kind of budget in mind leftover from your house hunting experiences, the construction process can come with a range of different costs that you may not have even considered. To establish a reasonable budget that works for you, lets first break down some of the costs you could be looking at.

• Land: As we mentioned earlier, foundation is key. Do you know if your lot is construction-ready? Or will you have to hire a landscaper to reshape or level out your lot? Will your yard require any excavation or erosion control? Ask yourself these important questions before moving forward with any plans.
• Architects: Regardless of how specific your vision is, consider hiring an architect. These experienced designers will make drawing up the floor plan that much easier, while also being available for advice regarding any unique features you have in mind. Just make sure to properly articulate your vision and find an architect you can coordinate well with in the future.
• Contractors: You dont want to feel lost when faced with the big decisions surrounding your home build, and a great way to avoid this is by hiring a contractor. Similar to working with an architect, having this professional on your team can provide you with advice and help flesh out the logistics behind your build. Many experienced contractors will understand the best and most durable materials to work with, and some may even be able to get you deals on certain materials based on their relationships with a supplier. Contractors should also have an area of knowledge around the safety and legal requirements of construction in your area to ensure an efficient build.

Once you feel that you have a grasp on the costs associated with home building, start putting your budget together. Your budget should realistically reflect the costs of land, labor and materials within your area.